USDA Forest Service
General Technical Report RM-40
September 1977
The Fraser Experimental
Forest, Colorado
Robert R. Alexander
and Ross K. Watkins
Rocky Mountain Forest and
Range Experiment Station
Forest Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Fort Collins, Colorado 80521
This file was created by scanning the printed publication.
Errors identified by the software have been corrected;
however, some errors may remain.
USDA Forest Service
General Technical Report RM-40
September 1977
USDA Forest Service
General Technical Report RM-40 September 1977
The Fraser Experimental Forest, Colorado
Robert R. Alexander, and Ross K. Watkins1
Alexander is Chief Silviculturist, and Watkins is Forestry Research Technician at the Rocky Moun-
tain Forest and Range Experiment Station, with central headquarters maintained at Fort Collins in
cooperation with Colorado State University.
The Fraser Experimental Forest, Colorado
Robert R. Alexander, and Ross K. Watkins 1
'Alexander is Chief Silviculturist. and Watkins is Forestry Research Technician at the Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. with central headquarters maintained at Fort Collins in
cooperation with Colorado State University.
Original from
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Contents
Contents
Page
THE FOREST 1
Climate 1
Water Yield 3
Snow Cover Disappearance 3
Geology, Landforms and Soils 4
Vegetation 4
Wildlife 6
Recreation 6
RESEARCH PROGRAM 7
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS 7
Harvest Cutting Lodgepole Pine 7
Water Available for Streamflow 9
Snow Accumulation 9
Regeneration 9
Growth and Mortality 9
Harvest Cutting Spruce-Fir 10
Snow Accumulation 12
Snowmelt 12
Regeneration 13
Growth and Mortality 13
Thinning Young Lodgepole Pine 14
Snow Accumulation 15
Snowmelt 15
Growth 15
Watershed Studies—Fool Creek-East St. Louis Creek 15
Alternate Strip Clearcutting 17
Snow Accumulation 19
Snowmelt and Water Yield 19
Sediment Yields 20
Regeneration—Spruce-Fir Type 20
Seed Dispersal—Engelmann Spruce 21
Windfall 22
Mule Deer Use and Forage Values 22
CURRENT RESEARCH 23
Watershed Studies—Deadhorse Creek-Lexen Creek 23
Pretreatment Hydrology 25
Timber Harvest 26
Operational Watershed Management 28
Game Animals 28
Nongame Birds and Small Mammals 28
Levels of Growing Stock—Young Lodgepole Pine 28
Environmental Factors Affecting Engelmann Spruce
Regeneration 28
Engelmann Spruce Seed Production 31
SIDELIGHTS 31
APPENDIXES 31
A. Species List of Birds 31
B. Species List of Mammals 32
Page
THE FOREST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Climate ................................................ 1
Water Yield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Snow Cover Disappearance ................................. 3
Geology, Landforms and Soils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Vegetation .............................................. 4
Wildlife ................................................ 6
Recreation .............................................. 6
RESEARCH PROGRAM ..................................... 7
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS ................................... 7
Harvest Cutting Lodgepole Pine .............................. 7
Water Available for Streamflow ............................ 9
Snow Accumulation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Regeneration .......................................... 9
Growth and Mortality ................................... 9
Harvest Cutting Spruce-Fir .................................. 10
Snow Accumulation .....................................12
Snowmelt ............................................. 12
Regeneration ..........................................13
Growth and Mortality ...................................13
Thinning Young Lodgepole Pine .............................. 14
Snow Accumulation ..................................... 15
Snowmelt ............................................. 15
Growth ............................................... 15
Watershed Studies-Fool Creek-East St. Louis Creek .............. 15
Alternate Strip Clearcutting ...............................17
Snow Accumulation ..................................... 19
Snowmelt and Water Yield ................................ 19
Sediment Yields ........................................ 20
Regeneration-Spruce-Fir Type ............................ 20
Seed Dispersal-Engelmann Spruce ......................... 21
Windfall .............................................. 22
Mule Deer Use and Forage Values ........................... 22
CURRENT RESEARCH ...................................... 23
Watershed Studies-Deadhorse Creek-Lexen Creek ............... 23
Pretreatment Hydrology .................................. 25
Timber Harvest ........................................ 26
Operational Watershed Management ........................ 28
Game Animals ......................................... 28
Nongame Birds and Small Mammals ......................... 28
Levels of Growing Stock-Young Lodgepole Pine ................ 28
Environmental Factors Affecting Engelmann Spruce
Regeneration .......................................... 28
Engelmann Spruce Seed Production ........................... 31
SIDELIGHTS .............................................. 31
APPENDIXES ............................................. 31
A. Species List of Birds ..................................... 31
B. Species List of Mammals ................................. 32
riQinal from
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
THE FRASER EXPERIMENTAL FOREST, COLORADO
THE ERASER EXPERIMENTAL FOREST, COLORADO
Robert R. Alexander, and Ross K. Watkins
The Fraser Experimental Forest was estab-
Robert R. Alexander, and Ross K. Watkins
lished in 1937 in the heart of the central Rocky
Mountains. This 36-square-mile outdoor re-
search laboratory maintained by the Rocky
Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station
is located 50 air miles west of Denver, Colo. The
location is well suited to the study of timber,
water and wildlife management, and their inte-
gration in high elevation subalpine coniferous
forests.
In the West, water is vital to life and develop-
ment. St. Louis Creek, the main drainage on the
Fraser Experimental Forest, is typical of head-
water streams that are the source of 85 % of the
annual yield of about 20 million acre feet of
water from the Colorado Rockies.
The relationship between water sources in
high elevation forests, extensive transmountain
diversions, and domestic, industrial and agricul-
The Fraser Experimental Forest was established in 1937 in the heart of the central Rocky
Mountains. This 36-square-mile outdoor research laboratory maintained by the Rocky
Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station
is located 50 air miles west of Denver, Colo. The
location is well suited to the study of timber,
water and wildlife management, and their integration in high elevation subalpine coniferous
forests.
H
t
tural users is shown in a schematic view of the
Fraser Experimental Forest and its surrounding
country. The Colorado-Big Thompson trans-
mountain diversion taps the headwaters of the
Colorado River and brings water through the
13-mile-long Alva Adams Tunnel to users on the
east side of the Continental Divide. The Fraser
River transmountain diversion, constructed by
the City of Denver to bring water from St. Louis
In the West, water is vital to life and development. St. Louis Creek, the main drainage on the
Fraser Experimental Forest, is typical of headwater streams that are the source of 85 % of the
annual yield of about 20 million acre feet of
water from the Colorado Rockies.
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and Vasquez Creeks, crosses the Continental
Divide through the pioneer bore of the 6-mile-
long Moffat Tunnel.
THE FOREST
Elevation of the Experimental Forest ranges
from 8,800 feet at the main entrance along the
road from the town of Fraser, to 12,804 feet at
the summit of Byers Peak. About three-fourths
of the Forest lies above 10,000 feet, and about
one-third is above timberline.
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The relationship between water sources in
high elevation forests, extensive transmountain
diversions, and domestic, industrial and agricultural users is shown in a schematic view of the
Fraser Experimental Forest and its surrounding
country. The Colorado-Big Thompson transmountain diversion taps the headwaters of the
Colorado River and brings water through the
13-mile-Iong Alva Adams Tunnel to users on the
east side of the Continental Divide. The Fraser
River transmountain diversion, constructed by
the City of Denver to bring water from St. Louis
and Vasquez Creeks, crosses the Continental
Divide through the pioneer bore of the 6-milelong Moffat Tunnel.
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THE FOREST
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Elevation of the Experimental Forest ranges
from 8,800 feet at the main entrance along the
road from the town of Fraser, to 12,804 feet at
the summit of Byers Peak. About three-fourths
of the Forest lies above 10,000 feet, and about
one-third is above timberline.
Climate
Climate is cool and humid with long, cold
winters and short, cool summers. Average
yearly temperature at Forest headquarters
(9,000 feet elevation) is 33°F., and frost can
occur any month of the year. Mean monthly
temperature for January is 14°F, for July 55°F,
with an observed range of about -40°F to 90°F.
Annual precipitation measured at the headquarters area varies from about 17 to 28 inches, with
an average of nearly 23 inches. Precipitation
over the entire Experimental Forest averages
about 28 to 30 inches with nearly two-thirds
falling as snow from October through May.
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UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
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Water Yield
Snow Cover Disappearance
Snowfall is the key to water yield . On the Experimental Forest. the first snow is deposited in
late fall . and the pack gradually accumulates to
its maximum depth in early spring. Long, cold
winters keep temperatures within the snowpack
well below freezing until late March or April.
Peak seasonal snow accumulation averages
about 15 inches water equivalent, and during
melt season, the depleting snowpack is augmented by 5 inches or more of additional precipitation. Rainfall during summer and early .
fall averages 8 to 10 inches. Of the total 28 to 30
inch input , about 12 to 15 inches becomes
streamflow. Streams begin to rise from minimum flows in April , reaching peak levels in
June. Streamflow then rapidly recedes, nearing
baseline flows again in late summer.
The entire Forest is covered with snow by the
end of winter. As spring advances. snow disappears progressively from lower to higher elevations. Snow melts and disappears from south
slopes first. When 50% of the snow has disappeared. spring streamflow peaks on the main
drainage; when 80 % of the snow is gone.
streamflow is declining. Temperature, humidity , and wind also influence the daily rate of
snowmelt which. in turn. governs streamflow.
Continuous records of these factors have been
useful in calculating rates of streamflow on the
St. Louis Creek drainage. and in forecasting
daily streamflow.
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UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
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Vegetation
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Native vegetation is typical of the subalpine
forest zone of the central Rocky Mountains.
Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir are predominant trees at higher elevations, on north
slopes, and along streams; lodgepole pine is the
predominant tree at lower elevations and on
drier upper slopes. In virgin stands, trees range
from 200 to 400 years old. Second-growth
lodgepole pine on the north end of the Forest
originated after fires , and is about 60 years old.
Scattered patches of aspen occur in areas opened
up by logging or fire. OccaSionally, a large, old
(450 to 500 years) Douglas-fir can be found. The
forest floor generally is covered with a layer of
duff and litter and often a dense mat of whortleberry. Little herbaceous vegetation is present
except along streams, and in openings resulting
from disturbance . Barren rocks intermix with
alpine tundra, meadows and bogs above timberline .
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Geology, Landforms and Soils
Topography of the Experimental Forest is
typical of the Southern Rocky Mountain Province . The west side of the Forest is characterized
by rugged mountains and narrow, steep-sided
valleys filled with alluvium and glacial outwash. South and east sides of the Forest are remnants of an old peneplain, dissected by mountain glaciers and characterized by long, gentle,
relatively uniform slopes. The north side is a
nearly level , broad valley dissected by St. Louis
Creek and surrounded by rolling hills.
Parent material of soils on the Forest generally is derived from gneiss and schist rocks. Occasionally, there are small outcroppings of
granitic rock. which weathers more slowly than
schists. Typical soils from schistic and granitic
rock contain angular gravel and stone, with
very little silt and clay. They are very penneable
and capable of storing considerable amounts of
water during snowmelt. At high elevations, especially on the west side of the Forest, soils have
developed in material weathered from sandstones. These soils are shallow, have large
amounts of stone, and have fine sand or sand
textures. Alluvial soils occur along main
streams, with parent material a mixture of glacial till, glacial outwash and recent valley fill.
Bogs originating from seeps or springs that
emerge on slopes are scattered throughout the
Forest.
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UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
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Lodgepole pine
Alpine
Enge lmann spru ce
Schist and gneiss-alpine
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5
UNIVERSITY Of MINNESOTA
marten, weasel, mink, badger, muskrat, red
Wildlife
fox , coyote, bobcat, and beaver along some
watercourses. Snowshoe hares, pine squirrels,
porcupines, marmots, chipmunks, ground
squirrels, mice, gophers, shrews, and voles also
are present. Numerous game and nongame birds
occur on the Forest. Some are residents, others
are seasonal, and still others are migratory.
Many kinds of wildlife live on the Forest, but
no one species is abundant. Trout occur in some
streams, beaver ponds, and lakes. Elk, deer,
black bear, and mountain lion are the Forest's
hig game animals. Elk are found in alpine grass-
lands and high cirque basins in summer, but do
not winter in any part of the Forest. Mule deer
are more common than elk. In summer, they
graze in timbered areas and openings intermixed
with timber. In winter, they move to lower
Recreation
areas off the Forest. Black bears are shy and
rarely seen. Mountain lions are only occasional
visitors. Small, fur-bearing mammals include
The Forest provides a variety of recreational
opportunities, with two developed campgrounds, 20 miles of specified roads, and many
Original from
6
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
trails. In summer, users camp, hike, fish , backpack, and view and photograph scenery. In fall,
hunters seek blue grouse, elk, and deer. Snowmobiling and ski-touring are popular in winter.
4. Devising timber harvesting systems to
achieve the desired. changes in forest cover
that will provide the best mix of timber,
water and wildlife benefits.
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
Early studies included. observations in natural
plant communities or environments to determine their effects on snow accumulation . Results showed more precipitation reached the
ground under aspen and in grasslands, than
under dense lodgepole pine stands. These
studies provided. clues to the effect on water
yield when forest stands were harvested for
timber or thinned. to improve growth .
Plot studies of harvest cuttings and thinnings
followed. . Their purpose was to determine how
different methods and intensities of tree removal affected. the snowpack and tree reproduction, growth, and mortality . A tHird research
phase applied. a timber harvesting system to an
entire watershed to measure its effects on (1)
streamflow and snow accumulation and melt;
(2 ) sedimentation; (3) tree regeneration and
mortality; and (4) big game use, forage availability and preference. This included basic hydrologic studies aimed. at measuring water loss
from both vegetation and the overwinter snowpack. The present phase involves pilot testing of
timber, water, and wildlife systems and their interactions in relation to timber harvesting on
other watersheds.
RESEARCH PROGRAM
The research program at the Fraser Experimental Forest is concerned with regenerating
new forest stands, increasing growth and yield
of trees, increasing wa ter supplies and maintaining water quality, improving wildlife habitat for
game and nongame animals, and determining
the integrated effects of timber harvesting on
these resources. Specifically, research objectives
are:
1. Understanding how trees grow, reproduce
and interact; how the hydrologic system
operates on headwater streams, and what
the food and cover requirements of wildlife
are.
2. Learning how natural forest cover influences the tree, water and wildlife systems.
3. Observing how management through harvesting timber changes the influence of the
forest on these systems; and
:)lgltlZed by
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Harvest Cutting in Lodgepole Pine
Twenty 5-acre plots were established in 1938
on the King Creek drainage in mature lodgepole
pine. After snowpack, regeneration, and stand
inventory measurements, plots were logged in
1940, with treatments ranging &om clearcutting
to no cutting. Residual volumes in trees 9.S
inches in diameter and larger on logged plots
were 0, 2,000, 4,000, and 6,000 board feet (fbm)
per acre. Uncut plots averaged. about U,OOO
fbm per acre.
7
Original from
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
INFLUENCE ""THREE VEGETATIONAL TYPES
ON WATER YI ELD
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WINTER
SNOW STORAGE
SPRING
PRECIPITATION
SUMMER
PRECIPITATION
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8
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Water Available for Streamflow
Water Available for Streamflow
Harvesting trees resulted in more water avail-
able for streamflow. The largest increase was on
namic effect on snow distribution rather than
reduced interception loss. Wind transports
snow intercepted by trees in the surrounding uncut forest and deposits it in openings created by
cutting trees. This pattern will persist until new
trees, established after logging, are tall enough
to change the aerodynamic effect on snow accumulation. To increase snow accumulation,
clearcutting of mature lodgepole pine in small
patches is the most desirable method of harvesting.
Harvesting trees resulted in more water available for streamflow. The largest increase was on
clearcut plots, the smallest was on 6,000 fbm reserve plots.
clearcut plots, the smallest was on 6,000 fbm re-
serve plots.
MATURE LODGEPOLE PINE
MATURE LODGEPOLE
PINE
INFLUENCE OF CUTTING ON WATER YIELD
INFLUENCE OF CUTTING ON WATER YIELD
Board Ffcrt P«r Acrm InctiM of WaI«f
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Regeneration
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Enough new trees were established on all cutover plots. Before cutting, plots contained 1,978
seedlings and saplings per acre. Logging, where
skidding was done with horses, destroyed 440/0
of the advanced growth, but new seedlings came
in rapidly after logging. In only 7 years, new
seedlings increased total reproduction twofold
to threefold on all cutover plots. The increase
was greatest on clearcut plots and least on 6,000
fbm reserve plots. Reproduction continued after
1947, but at a much slower rate, and the increase was not directly related to cutting
method.
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Snow Accumulation
Most of the increase in water available for
Snow Accumulation
streamflow came from increased snow storage
on cutover plots. Although young trees devel-
oped rapidly on cutover plots, snow storage
amounts have changed little in the years since
cutting. This indicates the major cause of in-
creased snow on cutover plots is the aerody-
40
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3
Most of the increase in water available for
streamflow came from increased snow storage
on cutover plots. Although young trees developed rapidly on cutover plots, snow storage
amounts have changed little in the years since
cutting. This indicates the major cause of increased snow on cutover plots is the aerody-
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Heavy mortality during the first 7 years after
cutting resulted in little new growth on 6,000
fbm reserve and uncut plots, and an actual loss
of volume on 2,000 and 4,000 fbm reserve plots.
No measurable mortality occurred on clearcut
o
RESERVE STAND ( fbm )
6000 4000 2000
RESERVE STAND ( fbm )
Original from
namic effect on snow distribution rather than
reduced interception loss. Wind transports
snow intercepted by trees in the surrounding un-
cut forest and deposits it in openings created by
cutting trees. This pattern will persist until new
trees, established after logging, are tall enough
9
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
MATU~E
LODGEPOLE PINE
INFLUENCE OF CUTTING ON GROWTH
RESERVE VOLUME.!I
MATURE LODGEPOLE PINE
(""lIo.J
Board Feet Per Acre
20 YR.
&
MORTALrrY
GROWTH.!!
MO~TALITY
BOCird F•• t Pel" ACI".
INFLUENCE OF CUTTING ON GROWTH £ MORTALITY
NONE
RESERVE VOLUME-^ °*J 20 YR GROWTH1' MORTALITY
Board Feet Per Acre ~ . _ . _
Board Feet Per Acre
46
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-^Approximately SVlC^* of mortality en treated
plots was windfall.
plots because no merchantable-sized trees were
left. After 1947, mortality declined, and net
growth increased on all plots. After 20 years,
however, only the 6,000 fbm reserve plots grew
more than uncut plots. Windfall was respon-
sible for nearly all mortality on partially cut
plots and about half the mortality on uncut
plots. Because of heavy mortality, clearcutting
and replacement of the old stand with a vigor-
ous new one is recommended as the most desir-
able method for harvesting old-growth lodge-
pole pine. Partial cutting requires leaving large
reserve volumes of low vigor trees, increasing
the risk of future mortality.
Harvest Cutting Spruce-Fir
In 1944, four 8-acre plots were established on
the West St. Louis Creek drainage to evaluate
methods of cutting in old-growth spruce-fir for-
ests. Treatments tested were alternate-strip
clearcutting, group selection cutting and indivi-
methods of cutting in old-growth spruce-fir forests. Treatments tested were alternate-strip
clearcutting, group selection cutting and individual tree selection cutting. Each treatment removed 60 % of the volume in trees 9.5 inches
diameter at breast height (d.b.h.) and larger. Alternate-strip clearcutting removed 50% of the
volume in alternate strips 1 chain wide; an additional 10% was removed from the leave strips
by cutting overmature trees. Group selection
cutting was used to remove 50 % of the volume
in small circular openings about 1 chain in
diameter; an additional 10 % was removed by
cutting trees in the between-group stand. Individual tree selection cutting removed 60 % of the
volume uniformly over the entire plot. Residual
volumes on cutover plots averaged 6,460 fbm
per acre. The original volume of 17,745 fbm per
acre remained on the uncut plot.
plots because no merchantable-sized trees were
left. After 1947, mortality declined, and net
growth increased on all plots. After 20 years,
however, only the 6,000 fbm reserve plots grew
more than uncut plots. Windfall was responsible for nearly all mortality on partially cut
plots and about half the mortality on uncut
plots. Because of heavy mortality, clearcutting
and replacement of the old stand with a vigorous new one is recommended as the most desirable method for harvesting old-growth lodgepole pine. Partial cutting requires leaving large
reserve volumes of low vigor trees, increasing
the risk of future mortality.
dual tree selection cutting. Each treatment re-
moved 60% of the volume in trees 9.5 inches
diameter at breast height (d.b.h.) and larger. Al-
Harvest Cutting Spruce-Fir
ternate-strip clearcutting removed 50% of the
volume in alternate strips 1 chain wide; an addi-
tional 10% was removed from the leave strips
In 1944, four 8-acre plots were established on
the West St. Louis Creek drainage to evaluate
by cutting overmature trees. Group selection
cutting was used to remove 50 % of the volume
in small circular openings about 1 chain in
diameter; an additional 10% was removed by
cutting trees in the between-group stand. Indivi-
dual tree selection cutting removed 60% of the
volume uniformly over the entire plot. Residual
volumes on cutover plots averaged 6,460 fbm
per acre. The original volume of 17,745 fbm per
acre remained on the uncut plot.
10
10
Original from
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Original from
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Snow Accumulation
Snowfall reaching the ground increased on all
•
0,
cutover plots after logging. Measurements in
four of the years after logging showed an aver-
-,
•
age accumulation of 22 % more water equivalent on cutover plots than on the uncut plo t, but
there were no differences in snow storage between treatments.
~
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.----
0,
::• o.,
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-•
•
Snowmelt
Weekly measurements of rates of snowmelt
during the spring showed only slight differences
between treatments. Snow melted fastest (0.36
inch per day) after individual tree selection
cutting and slowest (0 .28 inch per day) in the
uncut plot.
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INFLUENCE 0,. HARVESTING METHODS o"St-ON
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OLD~GI=IOWTH
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UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
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After logging
5 yr after logging
15 yr after logging
about half as many trees established as on other
cutover plots. The rate new reproduction established accelerated after 1949. The largest increase was on the alternate strip dearcut plot
where new reproduction outnumbered the increase on group and individual tree selection
cutting plots by three and four times, respectively . The number of new spruces was three to
five times greater than new firs on all cutover
pl ots.
Regeneration
Reproduction was adequate under any cutting
method tested. Before logging, plots averaged
6,344 seedlings and saplings per acre, with the
ratio of fir to spruce ranging from 5 to 1 on the
alternate strip clearcut plot to about 1 to 1 on
the individual tree selection plot. Logging where
skidding was with horses , destroyed 52 % of the
advanced reproduction . Damage among the
three cut plots was heaviest on the individual
tree selection plot where the entire area was dis-
turbed . and was least on the group selection plot
Growth and Mortality
where about one-third of the area was disturbed. Subsequent reproduction established at
only a moderate rate during the first 5 years
after logging . Initial recovery was poorest o n
the alternate strip dearcut plot, where only
Jill "ed by
'U
Growth of residual stands was not stimulated
by the cutting methods tested. Fucthennoce, differences in board foot volume growth between
Original from
13
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
OUr"GROWTH
SPRUCE-FI~
INFLUENCE OF CUTTING ON GROWTH 6. MORTALITY
MO~TALITY
Feet Per Acrl!'!
GROWTH
Board
OI_D~GROWTH SPRUCE~FIR
28
INFLUENCE OF CUTTING ON GROWTH & MORTALITY
70
~~.
GROWTH MORTALITY
Board Feet Per Acre
jm? j/mw .^m^ ,..,
61
46
^ALTERNATE CLEAR-STRIP »A<'
~'
Jy .jjamr jmtMi .^m.
iW aw Wv iW (P* w w*
* i .SINGLE-TREE SELECTION J
69
43
A k4
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28
46
43
116
116
70
72
61
69
1/
'J"I
2/3rQi of mor1:al.ty wos. "".ndfoll
9/I01.bt of rT"Iortoht\,ll was Windfall
72
cutting treatments were unimportant. Mean
annual growth on all plots was proportional to
reserve volume.
Mortality was not materially different be-
tween plots. Windfall caused at least two-thirds
of the mortality on cutover plots, with the heav-
iest losses on the individual tree selection plot.
Disease and insects were responsible for most of
the mortality on the uncut plot. Because of more
abundant and better distributed spruce repro-
duction, and less susceptibility of residual
stands to windthrow, alternate strip clearcutting
and group selection cutting are the most desir-
able harvesting method tested for old-growth
spruce-fir stands.
Â¥ 2/3cd* of mortality was windfall
£' 9/IOtbi of mortality was windfall
Thinning Young Lodgepole Pine
Eighteen Vi-acre plots were established in
1944 in young (35-year-old) lodgepole pine
cutting treatments were unimportant. Mean
annual growth on all plots was proportional to
reserve volume.
Mortality was not materially different between plots. Windfall caused at least two-thirds
of the mortality on cutover plots, with the heaviest losses on the individual tree selection plot.
Disease and insects were responsible for most of
the mortality on the uncut plot. Because of more
abundant and better distributed spruce reproduction, and less susceptibility of residual
stands to windthrow, alternate strip clearcutting
and group selection cutting are the most desirable harvesting method tested for old-growth
spruce-fir stands.
Thinning Young Lodgepole Pine
Eighteen %-acre plots were established in
1944 in young (35-year-old) lodgepole pine
stands on St. Louis Creek to test thinning
methods. Original stand density varied from
2,100 to 8,576 stems per acre. After snowpack
and stand inventory measurements, six plotsdesignated single tree-were thinned uniformly
from below in 1945, reserving 630 trees per acre.
On six other plots - designated crop tree - all
trees within a 16-foot diameter circle around
each of 100 crop trees per acre were cut. The remaining six plots were left un thinned as a control.
stands on St. Louis Creek to test thinning
methods. Original stand density varied from
2,100 to 8,576 stems per acre. After snowpack
and stand inventory measurements, six plots—
designated single tree—were thinned uniformly
YOUNG LODGEPOLE PINE
INFWENCE o"THINNING 0,., SNOW STORAGE
from below in 1945, reserving 630 trees per acre.
Inches of Water
Percent Increose
On six other plots — designated crop tree — all
0
trees within a 16-foot diameter circle around
'< 12.34 i 23.0
each of 100 crop trees per acre were cut. The re-
maining six plots were left unthinned as a con-
trol.
r:..-:-.J
YOUNG LODGEPOLE PINE
I
I
I
I
INFLUENCE °"THINNING °-> SNOW STORAGE
n~1172i
Inchig of Woter Percent Increase
i f=l
SINGLE-TREE
168
63Q STEMS PER ACRE.
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CPOP~TPEE ^ i
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r1-Z10.03l
20TO STEMS PER ACRE'
iNONE;
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NOTE: ....... Each tree sl;jmbol represents 500 trees.
12.34
->
^1 1.72
<L-k
dz*>
-I0.03
23.0
168
T' -T^AOO STEMS PER ACRE^T
14
Original from
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Snow Accumulation
YOUNG
l"'fLlHNCi
Snow Accumulation
Cutting resulted in more snow reaching the
ground on thinned plots than in natural stands.
The highest snow accumulation observed dur-
ing a 3-year period was on single-tree plots
where the largest number of trees were re-
Of
ININNING
ON
LODGEPOLE PINE
AVERAGE
ANNUAL
DIAME!U!
Cutting resulted in more snow reaching the
ground on thinned plots than in natural stands.
The highest snow accumulation observed during a 3-year period was on single-tree plots
where the largest number of trees were removed.
GROWTH
Of
s,Hfcno
TRU'!.
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moved.
Snowmelt
The rate of snowmelt during spring was great-
SI"GlE-T~EE
Snowmelt
er on thinned than unthinned plots, but there
was little difference in melt between single-tree
and crop-tree thinning.
0.4
l/>
in
Z
C~OP-'~H
The rate of snowmelt during spring was greater on thinned than unthinned plots, but there
was little difference in melt between single-tree
and crop-tree thinning.
NONE
Because of larger increases in water available
for streamflow and concentration of total stand
growth on fewer stems, single-tree thinning is
recommended.
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Watershed Studies-Fool CreekEast St. Louis Creek
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Since more snow accumulated on experimental plots after timber harvest, it was assumed that more water was available for
streamflow. 2 It was only an assumption, however, until similar cutting was done on a forested watershed where streamflow was measured .
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Fool Creek.-This 714-acre watershed at elevations ranging from 9,500 to 11,500 feet, was selected for treatment. Streamflow, rainfall and
snow storage have been measured since 1940.
The gaging station at Fool Creek is a combination San Dimas flume and two broadcrested
weirs. The main channel flows north, with generally east and west aspects comprising 70 % of
the watershed area.
Of
TREATMENTS
z
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I
Growth
i
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3
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TREATMENTS
Growth
Diameter growth of the best 100 trees per acre
was increased about Wi times by both thinning
methods during the 16 years of observation, but
diameter growth of all trees on plots was in-
creased only by single-tree thinning. Basal area
increment of the total stand was not affected by
thinning. Cubic volume growth during the first
Diameter growth of the best 100 trees per acre
was increased about 11/2 times by both thinning
methods during the 16 years of observation, but
diameter growth of all trees on plots was in-
East St. Louis Creek. - This is a 1,984-acre
creased only by single-tree thinning. Basal area
increment of the total stand was not affected by
thinning. Cubic volume growth during the first
8 years of observation was greater in unthinned
than thinned stands, but during the last 8 years
of observation, there was no difference in cubic
volume growth between thinned and unthinned
plots.
watershed with elevation varying from 9,500 to
12,200 feet. It lies adjacent to Fool Creek, and is
2Streamflow is the quantity of surface water flowing past
a given point in a stream channel. It is measured by flumes,
weirs, or water control structures. Streamflow generally is
expressed as a rate in cubic feet per second, or as an
amount in acre-feet, or inches depth over a known area.
8 years of observation was greater in unthinned
than thinned stands, but during the last 8 years
of observation, there was no difference in cubic
volume growth between thinned and unthinned
plots.
YOUNG LODGEPOIE PINE
INFLUENCE Of TNINNING ON AVERAGE ANNUAL aIAMETER GROWTN OF SELECTED TREES
* .. An . . ai»»
15
Original from
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
EAST ST. LOUIS CREEK
FOOL CREEK
:)lgltlZed by
Coogi
--~
Original from
16
UNIVERSITY Of MINNESOTA
the untreated control. Ma jor vegetation consists
of lodgepole pine, Engelman n spruce and subalpine fir, with alpine tundra above timberline.
Streamflow and snow storage have been measured since 1943. The original gaging station at
East St. Louis Creek was a trapezoidal flume
that was replaced in 1963 with a Cipolletti weir.
Row from the two watersheds correlates well,
and changes in streamflow on Fool Creek resulting from timber harvest are estimated from the
flow of East St. Louis Creek.
Alternate Strip Clearcutting
ending in 1956, removed trees in alternate
cleared strips at right angles to the contour.
Four widths of cIearing-1-, 2-, 3-, and 6-chains
wide-were used.. No timber was cut within 90
feet of the stream to minimize damage to the
channel. On strips designated for cutting, all
live trees 4 inches in diameter and larger were
felled, and tops were lopped and scattered. In
all , 278 acres of watershed were cleared, including 35 acres of roads. A total of 3.5 million fbm
of timber was removed.
Fool Creek original ly supported 6 million fbm
of merchantable timber on 550 acres. About
55% was in the lodgepole pine type and 45
percent in the spruce-fir type. These stands were
overmature, 250 to 350 years old. To harvest
timber on Fool Creek, 3.3 miles of main access
road and 8.8 miles of spur roads were constructed between 1950 and 1952. Spur roads
were about 600 feet apart, located on the contour. Timber harves t, beginning in 1954 and
uy
•
O(
I
Original from
17
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
18
Original from
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
-.-
30
,- chain
6-chain
en
0 0.5 l.0 0 I 2 3 4
Distance from edge of strip (chains)
Snow Accumulation
Comparisons of snowpack in alternate for-
ested and clearcut strips show more water
equivalent in open areas but no increase in total
snow storage on the watershed. There is, how-
ever, a pronounced redistribution of snow as a
result of cutting; more snow accumulates in cut
strips than in the uncut forest. Before cutting,
wind distributed snow rather evenly within the
forest. Afterwards, openings increase wind
stress on the remaining forest canopy and effi-
ciently trap snow that formerly settled in adja-
cent forested strips.
Q)
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u
c:
Uncut
25
.
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," '- ---- --- .... .......
I
20
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Q)
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.... '
...... ,
.......... "
-- -- ---
....
,
.... \
\
,
\
~
Q)
+-
0
15
3:
Snowmelt and Water Yield
Removing timber from Fool Creek accel-
erated snowmelt rates and increased water yield
by more than 25 %. Most of the increase is due
10
0
0.5
to a substantially enlarged spring runoff. Peak
flows are not affected appreciably, and there is
1.0
2
5
3
4
Distance from edge of strip (chains)
0
6
little change in streamflow during late summer
and early fall despite higher snowmelt rates and
more efficient water yield in early spring. More
than 20 years have passed without any strong
indication that the effect of cutting timber on
Snow Accumulation
AVE.
streamflow has diminished.
DISCHARGE (ACRE FT.)
AVE. DISCHARGE (ACRE FT.)
1942- 1955 (UNCUT)
1955 - 1967 (CUT)
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUG. SEPT.
Cutting trees and resultant redistribution of
seasonal snowpack substantially increased run-
off because some water formerly used to replace
soil moisture consumed by vegetation is now
available for streamflow, and more snow is de-
posited in openings where soil moisture deficits
are lowest. Higher melt rates in openings further
reduce water losses from evapotranspiration.
19
Comparisons of snowpack in alternate forested and c1earcut strips show more water
equivalent in open areas but no increase in total
snow storage on the watershed. There is, however, a pronounced redistribution of snow as a
result of cutting; more snow accumulates in cut
strips than in the uncut forest. Before cutting,
wind distributed snow rather evenly within the
forest. Afterwards, openings increase wind
stress on the remaining forest canopy and efficiently trap snow that formerly settled in adjacent forested strips.
15
---- 1942-1955 (UNCUT)
- - 1955 - 1967 (CUT)
10
5
Snowmelt and Water Yield
MAY
Removing timber from Fool Creek accelerated snowmelt rates and increased water yield
by more than 25 %. Most of the increase is due
to a substantially enlarged spring runoff. Peak
flows are not affected appreciably, and there is
little change in streamflow during late summer
and early fall despite higher snowmelt rates and
more efficient water yield in early spring. More
than 20 years have passed without any strong
indication that the effect of cutting timber on
streamflow has diminished.
JUNE
JULY
AUG.
SEPT.
Cutting trees and resultant redistribution of
seasonal snowpack substantially increased runoff because some water formerly used to replace
soil moisture consumed by vegetation is now
available for streamflow, and more snow is deposited in openings where soil moisture deficits
are lowest. Higher melt rates in openings further
reduce water losses from evapotranspiration.
19
Original from
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
April - Sept.
Runoff Increase
Sinc e Ha r ve st
-.,
--
20
on
.c
<)
c:
•
Before treatment (1943 - 55)
b
After treatment (1956-72)
15
b
b
0
b
c:
::J
bb
~
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10
b
~
u
• •
••
b
b
•
• •
••
•
0
If
b
bb
5
Year
Inc hes
1956
1957
1958
1959
196 0
1961
1962
1963
1964
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
3.3
5.2
3.7
4.6
5.4
3.4
3. 9
2.9
3.5
4.0
2.6
3. 1
1. 9
2.5
2. 1
3.6
3.9
Mean
3.5 +0.8*
*95 Per cent level of
confidence
20
10
15
5
E ,St, Louis Creek runoff (inches)
Sediment Yields
Construction of the road system on Fool
Creek and associated timber harvesting caused
little erosion, with no apparent reduction in
water quality . The main access road was located
to avoid damage to the stream channel, and
spur roads were provided with surface drainage
and culverts at stream crossings. After logging,
spurs were seeded to grass, and culverts were removed from alternate spur roads to reduce
traffic. The main haul road is still routinely
maintained .
Sediment yield during road construction and
logging averaged about 200 pounds per acre,
but decreased rapidly after logging despite continuing increase in runoff after timber harvest .
Since logging, sediment yields have averaged 43
pounds per acre, compared with yields of 11 to
21 pounds per acre from undisturbed watersheds. Suspended sediment was less than five
parts per million during high flow periods in
1964 and 1965.
Regeneration: Spruce-Fir Type
In the spruce-fir type on Fool Creek where
logs were skidded with horses, enough advanced
reproduction survived logging to restock all cutover strips. Numbers of seedlings and saplings
Original from
20
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
...i!'
7
:?
6
0
",
5
"
4
~
<
0
'0
""
Engelmann spruce
,-
-
-
.",
,-
-
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0
~
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0
3
~
b.
<
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...
...
0
0
.~ 2
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...
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...
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...
...
...
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...
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...
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. ..
I ·choln
...
...
...
...
. ..
...
. ..
...
...
. ..
. ..
. ..
. ..
...
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3-choln
2·choln
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,
fir
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... Subalpine
El
4-chQln
Wide strips
left after logging ranged from 4.183 per acre on
2-chain-wide strips to 5,957 per acre on 6-chainwide strips. Firs outnumbered the more valuable
spruces on all strip widths. Subsequent reproduction was not abundant on any strips 10 years
after cutting. Recovery was best on 3-chainwide strips, and poorest on 2-chain-wide strips.
More new firs than spruces were established on
all but 2-chain-wide strips.
uniformly distributed over the openings. In the
6-chain-wide strips, about half the seed dispersed fell within 1.5 chains of timber edge,
with only about 10% falling near the center of
the openings.
- "-..
,-- - - - - [- - - - - -
-
f\-- - - - - 1-\-- - - - ••
Seed Dispersal: Engelmann Spruce
An adequate supply of viable seed is necessary for natural reproduction. During a lO-year
period, 1956 through 1965, Engelmann spruce
seed production in uncut strips on Fool Creek
was 321,000 sound seeds per acre, but annual
seedfall varied considerably. The 1961 crop
contributed about 40 % of the total seedfall.
Moderate crops were produced in 1959 and
1963, but seed crops were rated poor to complete failure in the other seven years of observation. Number of seeds dispersed from standing
trees into the cleared strips was greater in years
of heaviest seed production, but seedfall was not
'-"glllZoo Dy
v<.
I 21
E
••
-
••
f-+---- ~
f--+- - - - f---\---- - "'--\- - -- ...
•
•
_-
..-
----- .
~
~.
u UI_
u
DII''''''
. _ .u_ TO
_._ICMoI,1II1
Original from
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
~
_
~
,, _
.oot
Windfall
6.
Cutting boundaries oriented para1lel to
the direction of prevailing windstorms
Windfall after clearcutting on Fool Creek was
suffered more damage than those
oriented at right angles to windstonns.
7. About two-thirds of the blowclown
occurred within the first 2 years after
logging.
B. Trees growing on soils where average
depth of solum exceeded 12 inches were
more windfinn than trees growing on
shallower soils.
9. Trees growing in situations with rapid
drainage were more windfinn than trees
growing where drainage was slow.
10. All species and size classes were predisposed to windthrow in the same proportion in which they occurred in uncut
stands.
11. Defect was associated with one third or
less of windthrow trees.
observed for 10 years after cutting was com-
pleted. Blowdown was related to exposure to
wind, cutting unit characteristics, and tree characteristics in the following ways:
Mule Deer Use and Forage Values
Immediately after logging, mule deer summer
use on Fool Creek was less than on the adjacent
unlogged watershed. Comparatively low use on
Fool Creek may have been due to logging slash,
and other disturbance associated with timber
harvest. Ten years after logging, deer use was
substantially higher on Fool Creek than on the
control watershed, with most of the increase on
cut strips. Comparisons among cut strips indicated 3-chain-wide strips were used most
heavily on both spruce-fir and lodgepole pine
forests. The 1-chain-wide strips were used least
in lodgepole pine, while 6-chain-wide strips
were used least in spruce-fir.
1.
Approximately 70% of 2,844 wind-
~
from the west and the southwest .
~
2. About two-thirds of the trees blew down
along the N, NE, E, and SE (leeward)
100
~
li 7~
."J
cutting boundaries.
3. More trees were windthrown on downwind than on upwind aspects.
4. Cutting boundaries on ridgetops suffered heavy damage. Fewer and about
5.
12~
lilt
thrown trees were felled by stonnwinds
l
~ 50
25
equal numbers of trees blew down on
o U::~---:
19~7
1966
upper, middle and lower slopes.
Windfall was not directly related to
width of opening.
UNCUT
CONTROL
E.St. Louis Creek
Original from
Ulij
Lt.
22
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
1957
1966
ALTERNATE-STRIP
CLEARCUT
Fool Ct'Nk
SPRUCE-FIR
~------~------~
SPRUCE-FIR
CONTROL
6-CHAIN
1-CHAIN
2-CHAIN
LODGEPOLE PINE
1-CHAIN
3-CHAIN
15 10 5 0 5 10
PLOTS WITH PELLET GROUPS (PERCENT)
15
2-CHAIN
Tame mule deer observed in food habitat
studies spent about 70% of their time and ob-
tained about 70% of their food on cut strips.
Since there were no differences between cut and
3-CHAIN
uncut areas with respect to digestibility, crude
protein content, or moisture content of forage
species, deer preference for open areas was asso-
10
lS
ciated with increased amounts and variety of
o
S
PLOTS WITH
foragev in cut strips. Although logging stimu-
PELLET
10
S
lS
GROUPS (PERCENT)
lated habitat changes beneficial to deer, enough
forage was produced in unlogged areas to carry
more deer than currently occupy the summer
range. Deer populations in this area are limited
by availability of winter range at elevations
lower than on the Forest.
DEER USE OF OPENINGS AND UNCUT TIMBER
CURRENT RESEARCH
Watershed Studies: Deadhorse Creek—
Lexen Creek
The hydrology of Deadhorse and Lexen
Creeks has been studied since 1955. Long rec-
ords of streamflow, snow accumulation and de-
pletion, precipitation, sediment yield and water
quality are available. A comprehensive study of
the snowmelt regime on these and other water-
sheds on the Fraser Experimental Forest resulted
in development of a simulation model capable
of predicting short- and long-term hydrologic
impacts of a broad range of land-use alterna-
tives. The system represents the state of the art
after more than 30 years of watershed manage-
ment research in subalpine coniferous forests.
Any tool of this complexity and scope requires
Tame mule deer observed in food habitat
studies spent about 70 % of their time and obtained about 70% of their food on cut strips.
Since there were no differences between cut and
uncut areas with respect to digestibility, crude
protein content, or moisture content of forage
species, deer preference for open areas was associated with increased amounts and variety of
forage, in cut strips. Although logging stimulated habitat changes beneficial to deer, enough
forage was produced in unlogged areas to carry
more deer than currently occupy the summer
range. Deer populations in this area are limited
by availability of winter range at elevations
lower than on the Forest.
CURRENT RESEARCH
Watershed Studies: Deadhorse CreekLexen Creek
The hydrology of Deadhorse and Lexen
Creeks has been studied since 1955. Long records of streamflow, snow accumulation and depletion, precipitation, sediment yield and water
quality are available. A comprehensive study of
the snowmelt regime on these and other watersheds on the Fraser Experimental Forest resulted
in development of a simulation model capable
of predicting short- and long-term hydrologic
impacts of a broad range of land-use alternatives. The system represents the state of the art
after more than 30 years of watershed management research in subalpine coniferous forests.
pilot testing before routine operational applica-
tion. Pilot testing will be accomplished on
Deadhorse Creek by (1) simulating several
timber harvesting options on various subunits,
(2) selecting and applying one of these alterna-
DEER
USE
OF
OPENINGS
AND
UNCUT
TIMBER
tives on the ground in each subunit, and com-
paring the runoff response predicted by the
model with actual streamflow.
Any tool of this complexity and scope requires
23
pilot testing before routine operational application. Pilot testing will be accomplished on
Deadhorse Creek by (1) simulating several
.timber harvesting options on various subunits,
(2) selecting and applying one of these alternatives on the ground in each subunit, and comparing the runoff response predicted by the
model with actual streamflow.
70%
Di
ize b
23
Original from
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Deadhorse Creek.-This 667-acl'e watershed that generally drains from west to east , has
been selected for treatment. Elevations vary
fr om 9,450 feet at the main gaging station to
11,600 feet at the summit of Bottle Mountain.
Major vegetation is spruce-fir along stream
bottoms and all north and upper slopes, lodgepole pine on all lower and mid-south slopes , and
al pine tundra above timberline . Deadhorse
Creek is steeper than Fool Creek, with side
slopes averaging almost 40 %. The north and
south exposures receive unequal amounts of
heat in contrast to nearly equal radiant energy
load on the east and west slopes of Fool Creek .
The three stream gaging stations on Deadhorse
Creek-on the main stream , on the 100-acre
North Fork and on 200-acre Upper Basin- are
120 ° V-notch weirs . The main stream gage was
constructed in 1955, the North Fork in 1970,
and the Upper Basin in 1975.
•
008 1
Original from
24
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
lexen Creek. - Thi s is a 306-acre watershed at
elevations ranging from 9,850 feet at the stream
gaging station to 11,600 feet. It lies adjacent to
Deadho rse Creek and will be the untreated control. Vegetation, soil s, and topography are similar to Deadhorse Creek. The stream gaging station is a 120 0 V-notch weir constructed in 1955.
Flows from the two watersheds are well-correlated, and lexen Creek also can be used to estimate changes in streamflow on Deadhorse
Creek caused b y timber harvesting .
"" --..;:'---
-', ,
00
,,
,
\
,,
,,
\
\
LEkEH
CREEK
,.....-/
,
\
20
,,
,,
,
is bare of snow in the Upper Basin of Deadhorse
Creek and on Lexen Creek. Also, more than
80% of these areas are covered with snow when
seasonal peak snowmelt runoff rates are
reached.
Water Yields.-Streamflow from Lexen
Creek can vary from 60 % of Deadhorse Creek
in high runoff years to nearly 90% in low runoff
years because of differences in contribution to
streamflow from the Upper Basin and lower
Deadhorse Creek. The runoff above base flow
on lower Deadhorse Creek averages less than
30% of that generated from the Upper Basin,
even though precipitation at lower elevations is
80 % of that at higher elevations. Low elevation
water yields on Deadhorse Creek vary from
near zero for poor runoff years to about 50% of
the flow generated in the Upper Basin in good
runoff years.
Pretreatment Hydrology
Snow Cover Depletion.-Aerial depletion of
the snowpack on Deadhorse Creek starts ea rlier
than on Lexen Creek because of advanced snowmelt on the low-elevation south slopes. The rate
of depletion on the Upper Basin of Deadhorse
Creek is similar to Lexen Creek.
Sediment Yields.-Yields averaged 11 to 21
pounds per acre before road building and
Snowmelt.-Snowpack melt rates differ considerably between low elevation north and
south slopes on Deadhorse Creek. Time of
maximum snowmelt on the Upper Basin of
Deadhorse Creek and on Lexen Creek varies
considerably less between north and south
slopes. As a result, nearly 90% of seasonal runoff volume is generated before 60% of the area
I
,
logging. These watersheds are very stable, characterized by coarse drainage structure and mature topography. Sediment yields are correlated
with both peak and annual flows. In the undisturbed state, most total sediment load comes
from stream bank erosion and channel degradation. Trapped elements range from well-graded
gravel to fine sand.
Original from
25
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
YEAR
GENERATED RUNOFF!/
DEADHORSE
CREEK
YEAR
GENERATED RUNOFF^
RATIO OF RUNOFF,
LEXEN
CREEK
LEXEN:DEADHORSE
1/
- - - ACRE-FEET
RATIO OF RUNOFF,
- - PERCENT - -
DEADHORSE
LEXEN
LEXEN:DEADHORSE
CREEK
CREEK
ACRE-FEET -
--
PERCENT
1956
647.8
397.0
61
1957
1,041.9
623.9
1956
1957
1958
1959
1960
1961
1962
1963
1964
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
647.8
1,041. 9
688.8
533.4
595.2
269.3
943.9
139.7
339.5
628.3
213.3
463.0
439.1
428.0
397.0
623.9
424.6
345.8
384.0
233.0
580.0
120.5
275.4
383.0
186.7
329.3
328.9
297.5
61
60
62
65
64
87
61
86
82
61
88
71
75
69
60
1958
688.8
70
MEAN
424.6
62
1959
533.4
345.8
65
1ABOVE AN ASSUMED CONSTANT BASEFLOW OF 0.2 AND 0.1
CUBIC FOOT PER SECOND ON DEADHORSE AND LEXEN CREEKS,
RESPECTIVELY.
1960
595.2
384.0
64
1961
269.3
233.0
87
slope subunit. This cutting pattern also is a first
step to placing the timber stand under management.
Water Quality.-Natural flows from Deadhorse and Lexen Creek are generally pure. Concentrations of all chemical components are low,
pH values near neutral, and temperatures very
cold (0°-7°C).
DIADHOIISE
o
CLlucun
1962
WATERSHED
$lLleno.. C,,"
0
943.9
..... "
sr....... IS ~
580.0
61
Timber Harvest
120.5
86
1964
339.5
275.4
82
1965
628.3
383.0
61
1966
213.3
u.....
Approximately 1 mile of main access road
was built in 1955 to harvest timber and construct stream gaging stations on Deadhorse
Creek. Another 2.5 miles of main access road
was constructed in 1970-1971, and about 1 mile
of main access road was built in 1976. Approximately 0.3 mile of main access road and 2.5
miles of spur road will be constructed in 1977.
Additional roads needed will be built as timber
harvesting proceeds.
1967
463.0
329.3
71
1968
439.1
328.9
D.I,2
h ..'L1
Under this alternative, about 35% of the oldgrowth timber, principally lodgepole pine, will
be removed by clearcutting small openings,
about 400 feet in diameter, dispersed over the
subunit. Present plans call for recutting these
openings every 30 years to maintain increased
water yield. No immediate cutting is proposed
for the remaining timber stand.
186.7
88
North Fork (Response Unit l).-A patch
cutting operation has been selected for the
North Fork of Deadhorse Creek. Long-term
simulation of the hydrologic impacts of this option indicate an optimum water yield increase of
1.5 to 2.0 inches annually from this lower south
75
Original from
1969
428.0
297.5
69
MEAN
70
1
10A.S
1963
139.7
1C)UtiI. . . . .
Dig ize b
26
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
f·., ' .. ; ", .
, I. ,"
•
~. i;i'~~
' ~ 'I
:I., · , , L
, '"
U'J ' '
I~
"
~ .'
.
I,
.......' ......~
~
\ I
, It
I
I.
~ .,
,
I
~I
",.."
'I
• «I ~ •
I , ~1. '
The road system to remove timber from this
subunit will be completed in early summer of
Roads to remove this timber will be constructed in 1977. The first cutting will begin and
be completed in 1979. All cutting will be on an
individual tree basis. Logging and slash disposal
will be by conventional methods .
1977, with cutting to begi n and finish in 1977
also. All live trees down to 4 inches d .h.h. on
the cut patches will be removed. Logging will be
done by conventio nal methods- downhill
skidding of logs. Logging slash will be lopped
and scattered. An estima ted 200,000 fbm of
timber will be removed.
Upper Basin (Response Units 3 and 4).-A
patch cutting alternative has also been selected
for the Upper Basin of Deadhorse Creek. Lo08term simulation of the hydrologic impacts of
this option indicate an optimum water yield increase of 1.5 to 2.5 inches annually.
North Slope (Response Unit 8).-A three-cut
shelterwood option has been selected for this
north slope subunit. Lo ng~ t erm simulation of
the hydrologic impact of this option indicates
no increase in runoff. This cutting pattern also
will be a first step to placing the timber stand
under management.
Under this alternative, 30 to 40% of the oldgrowth, mixed pine- spruce-fir timber will be removed by clearcutting small openings (five to
eight times tree height in diameter) scattered
over the subunit. This option differs from the
North Fork in that initial openings will be regenerated and allowed to grow to maturity. New
openings will be cut in 30 years, with the last of
the old growth removed 60 years after the first
Under this alternative, about 40% of the oldgrowth , mixed lodgepole pine-spruce-fir stand
will be removed on an individual tree basis
throughout the subun it. An additional 30% of
the old growth will be harvested in 20 years,
with the remainder harves ted in 40 years.
'-"glllZoo Dy
v\.
I
cut,
27
Original from
UNIVERSITYOFMINNESOTA
The road system to remove timber from this
subunit will be constructed in 1978. Cutting will
begin and be completed in 1981. Trees removed
and logging will be similar to that on the North
Fork.
Operational Watershed Management
Operational aspects of watershed management-collecting and analyzing data on stream
flow, snow accumulation and disappearance,
water quality, sediment yield , soil water movement, temperature, precipitation, and radiation-will continue on Deadhorse and Lexen
Creeks. These data are needed to determine
treatment responses and provide input to test
the hydrologic simulation model.
,..
!
...
11. , •• 1.
' "'c.
\
. . . 1. . . . .
Game Animals
On all subunits scheduled for timber harvesting, use by mule deer, elk, and blue grouse is
being sampled to determine impact of cutting
timber on animal population density and distribution. Cover and composition of understory
vegetation and biomass also is being sampled to
determine response to timber harvesting options.
thinned from below, each to a different growing
stock level (SO, 100, 120). The first series of
plots, in Unit 1, were thinned. in 1976. The last
series of plots, in Unit 5, will be thinned in 1981.
Periodic remeasurement will provide information on stand growth at different stocking
levels, rate of spread and intensification of
dwarf mistletoe infection, population density
and distribution of deer and elk in relation to
overstory denSity, relative herbage production
in relation to basal area of residual overstory,
forage availability to animals, soil moisture
withdrawal in relation to overstory density and
depth below the soil surface, and seasonal pro-gress of soil moisture depletion.
Nongame Birds and Small Mammals
Species and population densities of small
mammals and nongame birds on subunits scheduled for timber harvest also are being inventoried to determine their responses to changes in
habitat resulting from treatment. These data
will provide information on habitat requirements of small mammals and birds that inhabit
subalpine coniferous forests.
Environmental Factors Affecting
Engelmann Spruce Regeneration
Levels of Growing StockYoung Lodgepole Pine
Two study areas were established in 1967 and
1968 to identify factors limiting spruce regeneration success, and determine cultural practices
needed to provide an environment suitable for
spruce regeneration. Study plots are located in
two 3.5-acre cIearcut openings at 10,500 feet elevation, one on a north slope of the .Fool Creek
drainage, the other on a south slope of the West
St. louis Creek drainage.
In 1975, a study was started in second-growth
lodgepole pine stands on St ~ Louis Creek drainage to test different thinning levels. The study
area was divided into five units, with one unit
scheduled for thinning each year for 5 years.
Within each unit, three 0.4-acre plots will be
28
Original from
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
"
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NORTH
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fLon
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ICAIII'IID
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IC ........ O UNICAI.f.D UNseA •• ' • •
UNS ........ D
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UNI"'AMD
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UNSHADID
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Original from
29
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
UN ...... IHID
NORTH SLOPE
SOUTH SLOPE
Each year, twelve 4 x 12 m seedbeds are pre-
pared at each study site. Each set is composed of
DROUGHT
53"/.
four seedbed treatments—scarified-shaded,
scarified-unshaded, unscarified-shaded, and un-
scarified-unshaded—replicated three times
each. Seed is sown each fall on the current set of
seedbeds to simulate natural seedfall.
Five years of observation indicates that ger-
mination on the north slope is best on scarified-
unshaded seedbeds and poorest on unscarified-
unshaded seedbeds; survival is best on scarified-
NORTH SLOPE
shaded seedbeds and poorest on unscarified-un-
SOUTH SLOPE
shaded seedbeds. Nearly 80% of the germinat-
ing seedlings died, with most mortality caused by
drought, frost heaving, and clipping by birds.
Four years of observation indicates germination
on south slopes is best on unscarified-shaded
seedbeds and poorest on scarified-unshaded
seedbeds; survival is best on unscarified seed-
beds and poorest on scarified-unshaded seed-
beds. About 90% of the germinating seedlings
died, with most mortality caused by drought,
clipping by birds, and heat girdle.
The most favorable and unfavorable condi-
tions for Engelmann spruce regeneration success
are summarized in the table below.
REGENERATION CONDITIONS
FAVORABLE
UNFAVORABLE
>600,000 SEED/HA
ing seedlings died, with most mortality caused by
drought, frost heaving, and clipping by birds.
Four years of observation indicates germination
on south slopes is best on unscarified-shaded
seedbeds and poorest on scarified-unshaded
seedbeds; survival is best on unscarified seedbeds and poorest on scarified-unshaded seedbeds. About 90 % of the germinating seedlings
died, with most mortality caused by drought,
clipping by birds, and heat girdle.
The most favorable and unfavorable conditions for Engelmann spruce regeneration success
are summarized in the table below.
Each year, twelve 4 x 12 m seedbeds are prepared at each study site. Each set is composed of
four seedbed treatments-scarified-shaded,
scarified-unshaded, unscarified-shaded, and unscarified-unshaded-replicated three times
each. Seed is sown each fall on the current set of
seedbeds to simulate natural seedfall.
Five years of observation indicates that germination on the north slope is best on scarifiedunshaded seedbeds and poorest on unscarifiedunshaded seedbeds; survival is best on scarifiedshaded seedbeds and poorest on unscarified-unshaded seedbeds. Nearly 80% of the germinat-
NORTH
AMBIENT AIR >0°C NIGHT AND <25°C DAY;
MAXIMUM SURFACE <30°C
REGENERATION CONDITIONS
>1.0 CM/WEEK
LIGHT-TEXTURED, SANDY-LOAM
50 PERCENT EXPOSED MINERAL SOIL
40-60 PERCENT DEAD SHADE
FAVORABLE
UNFAVORABLE
DUFF AND LITTER <5 CM
LIGHT VEGETATIVE COVER
>600,000 SEED/HA
-SEED CROP·
SEEDLINGS >12 WEEKS OLD BY MID-SEPT.
LOW POPULATION OF BIRDS AND RODENTS THAT
NORTH
-ASPECT-
<60,000 SEED/HA
S01ITH
EAT SEEDS AND SEEDLINGS
PROTECTION FROM TRAMPLING
SNOW COVER WHEN FROST-HEAVING CONDITIONS
AMBIENT AIR >o·c NIGHT AND <25·C DAY;
HAXlMUH SURFACE <30·C
-TEMPERATURES-
AMBIENT AIR <O·C NIGHT AND >25·C
DAY; MAXIMUM SURFACE >30·C
>1.0 CM/WEEK
-PRECIPITATION-
<1 .0 CM/WEEK
EXIST
-SEED CR0P-
-ASPECT-
LIGHT-TEXTURED. SANDY-LOAM
- SO I L-
HEAVY-TEXTURED, CLAY-LOAM
-TEMPERATURES-
-PRECIPITATION-
50 PERCENT EXPOSED MINERAL SOIL
- SEEDBED-
10 PERCENT OR LESS EXPOSED
MINERAL SOIL
10 PERCENT OR LESS DEAD SHADE
DUFF AND LITTER >5 CM
HEAVY VEGETATIVE COVER
- 5URV I VAL-
SEEDLINGS <12 WEEKS OLD BY
MID-SEPT.
HIGH POPULATION OF BIRDS AND
RODENTS THAT EAT SEEDS AND
SEEDLINGS
NO PROTECTION FROM TRAMPLING
NO SNOW COVER WHEN FROSTHEAVING CONDITIONS EXIST
-SOIL-
-SEEDBED-
- SURVIVAL -
<60,000 SEED/HA
SOUTH
40-60 PERCENT DEAD SHADE
DUFF AND LITTER <5 CM
LIGHT VEGETATIVE COVER
SEEDLINGS >12 WEEKS OLD BY MID-SEPT.
AMBIENT AIR <0°C NIGHT AND >25°C
DAY; MAXIMUM SURFACE >30°C
<1.0 CM/WEEK
LOW POPULATION OF BIRDS AND RODENTS THAT
EAT SEEDS AND SEEDLINGS
HEAVY-TEXTURED, CLAY-LOAM
10 PERCENT OR LESS EXPOSED
MINERAL SOIL
PROTECTION FROM TRAMPLING
SNOW COVER WHEN FROST-HEAVING CONDITIONS
EXIST
10 PERCENT OR LESS DEAD SHADE
DUFF AND LITTER >5 CM
Original from
HEAVY VEGETATIVE COVER
SEEDLINGS <12 WEEKS OLD BY
MID-SEPT.
HIGH POPULATION OF BIRDS AND
RODENTS THAT EAT SEEDS AND
SEEDLINGS
Dig ize b
30
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Engelmann Spruce Seed Production
seedfall data are needed to predict frequency of
good seed crops and to identify the kinds of
stands likely to provide good seed crops.
A long term study of Engelmann spruce seed
production was started in 1968 on the Forest. By
1970, thirteen O.4-acre plots were established at
different elevations, aspects, etc. Good to heavy
crops were produced during four of the first five
years of observation, with some locations occasionally producing bumper crops. Much more
Engelmann Spruce Seed Production
A long term study of Engelmann spruce seed
production was started in 1968 on the Forest. By
1970, thirteen 0.4-acre plots were established at
different elevations, aspects, etc. Good to heavy
crops were produced during four of the first five
years of observation, with some locations occa-
SIDELIGHTS
Facilities of the Fraser Experimental Forest are
used occasionally for school training, undergraduate field work, field meetings of forestry
and conservation societies, and Foreign Agriculture Service programs in forestry. Excellent examples nearby serve as on-the-ground illustrations of both beneficial and harmful practices in
mountain agriculture.
Opportunities for graduate students to undertake fundamental research in conservation and
use of natural resources are excellent. Arrangements may be made on a cooperative basis with
the U.S. Forest Service through colleges, universities, foundations, or other interested groups .
Visitors are always welcome. To obtain more
detailed published information about the experimental work, ask the resident scientists or send
a request to Director, Rocky Mountain Forest
and Range Experiment Station, 240 West Prospect, Fort Collins, Colo. 80521.
sionally producing bumper crops. Much more
400 .
300
400
O
z
<
O 200
...
II<
100
3
U 300
~
'":z:
Q
o
c
1972
seedfall data are needed to predict frequency of
good seed crops and to identify the kinds of
stands likely to provide good seed crops.
'"::l
...~ 200
'"...
...
Q
SIDELIGHTS
Facilities of the Fraser Experimental Forest are
'"
Q
used occasionally for school training, under-
graduate field work, field meetings of forestry
and conservation societies, and Foreign Agricul-
ture Service programs in forestry. Excellent ex-
100
:z:
::l
o
'"
o
amples nearby serve as on-the-ground illustra-
tions of both beneficial and harmful practices in
1970
1972
1971
1973
1974
mountain agriculture.
Opportunities for graduate students to under-
take fundamental research in conservation and
use of natural resources are excellent. Arrange-
APPENDIX A
ments may be made on a cooperative basis with
the U.S. Forest Service through colleges, univer-
Species List of Birds
sities, foundations, or other interested groups.
Visitors are always welcome. To obtain more
detailed published information about the experi-
mental work, ask the resident scientists or send
Scientific Name
Common Name
a request to Director, Rocky Mountain Forest
and Range Experiment Station, 240 West Pros-
SEASONAL NESTING BIRDS
MIGRATORY BIRDS
pect, Fort Collins, Colo. 80521.
APPENDIX A
Species List of Birds
Mallard
Common Name
MIGRATORY BIRDS
Mallard
Teal
Golden eagle
American kestrel
Spotted sandpiper
Mourning dove
Rufous hummingbird
Black-billed magpie
Clark's nutcracker
Teal
Golden eagle
American kestrel
Spotted sandpiper
Mourning dove
Rufous hummingbird
Black-billed magpie
Clark's nutcracker
Black-capped
chickadee
Mountain bluebird
Red-winged blackbird
Scientific Name
Anas
platyrhynchos
Anas spp.
Black-capped
chickadee
Mountain bluebird
Red-winged blackbird
Anas
platyrhytlchos
Anas spp.
Aquila chrysaetos
Falco sparverius
Actitis macularia
Zenaida macroura
Accipiter gentilis
Goshawk
Sharp-skinned hawk Accipiter striatus
Circus cyaneus
Marsh hawk
Buteo jamaicensis
Red-tailed hawk
Otus asio
Screech owl
Bubo virginianus
Great horned owl
Common nighthawk Chordeiles minor
SelaspllOrus rufus
Broad-tailed
5elasphorus
Pica pica
Nucifraga
columbiana
Parus atricapillus
hummingbird
Common flicker
Yellow-bellied
sapsucker
Williamson's
sapsucker
Hammond's
flycatcher
platycercus
Colaptes auratus
Sphyrapicus varius
Sialia currucoides
Agelaius
phoeniceus
Sphyrapicus
thyroideus
Empidonax
hammondii
Aquila chrysaetos
Original from
Falco sparverius
Actitis macularia
Zenaida macroura
Selasphorus rufus
Pica pica
Nucifraga
Dig lize by
31
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
•
Western flycatcher
Western wood
pewee
Olive-sided
flycatcher
Horned lark
Steller's jay
Common crow
Dipper
Red-breasted
nuthatch
Brown creeper
American robin
Townsend's solitaire
Hermit thrush
Gold-crowned kinglet
Ruby-crowned
kinglet
Yellow-rumped
warbler
Wilson's warbler
House fin ch
Pine grosbeak
Pine siskin
Red crossbill
Gray-headed junco
White-crowned
sparrow
Empidonax difficilis
Contopus sordidulus
Nuttallornis borealis
Eremophilia alpestris
Cyanocitta stelleri
Corvus brachyrhynchos
Cinclus mexicanus
Sitta canadensis
Carpodacus mexicanus
Pinicola enucleator
Carduelis pinus
Loxia curvirostra
Junco caniceps
Zonotrichia
leucophrys
YEARLY RESIDENT BIRDS
Blue grouse
Certltia farniliaris
Turdus migratorius
Myadestes townsendi
Catharus guttatus
Regulus satrapa
Regulus calendula
White-tailed ptarmigan
Hairy woodpecker
Downy woodpecker
Northern three-toed
woodpecker
Gray jay
Dendroica coronata
Common raven
Mountain chickadee
Wi/sonia pusilla
Dendragapus
obscurus
Lagopus leucurus
Picoides villosus
Picoides pubescens
Picoides
tridactylus
Perisoreus
canadensis
Corvuscorax
Parus gambeli
I
I
I
APPENDlXB
Species List of Mammals
Common Name
Scientific Name
Vagrant shrew
Northern watershrew
Masked shrew
Little brown myotis (bat)
Black bear
Marten
Longtail weasel
Shorttail weasel (rare)
Mink (rare)
Striped skunk
Badger (occasional)
Red fox
Coyote
Mountain Lion (rare)
Bobcat
Yellowbelly marmot
Sorex vagrans
Sorex palustris
Sorex cinereus
Myotis lucifugus
Ursus americanus
Martes americana
Mustela frenata
Musteia erminea
Musteia v ison
Mephitis mephitis
Tax idea taxus
Vulpes fulva
Canis latrans
Felis conceler
Lynx rufus
Mannota
flaviventris
Citellus latera/is
Eutamias minimus
Eutamias
quadrivittatus
EutamillS umbrinus
Golden mantled squirrel
Least chipmunk
Colorado chipmunk
(questionable)
Uinta chipmunk
Tamiasciurus
fremont;
Northern pocket gopher Thomomys
talpoides
Deer mouse
Peromyscus
maniculatus
Bushy tail woodrat
Neotoma cinerea
Phenacomys
Mountain phenacomys
(Heather vole)
intennedius
Clethrionomys
Boreal redback vole
gapper!
Microtus mentanus
Montane vole
Microtus
Long-tailed vole
longicaudus
Western jumping mouse Zapus princeps
Spruce squirrel
Muskrat
Beaver
Porcupine
Pika
Snowshoe hare
Elk
Mule deer
Ondatra zibethica
Castor canadensis
Erethizon dorsaturn
Ochotona princeps
Lepus americanus
Cervus canadensis
Odocoiieus
hemionus
Original from
I
32
UNIVERSITY OF M INN~lilfw""'.-csu,
Fort Colli"
I
This report provides a general overview of work done on the
Fraser Experimental Forest. It replaces Station Paper No.8, published in 1952 and revised by L. D. Love in 1960. Included are descriptions of physical features and resource values, and highlights
of past and current research programs.
Keywords: Forest regeneration, watershed management, wildlife
habitat.
This report provides a general overview of work done on the
Fraser Experimental Forest. It replaces Station Paper No.8, published. in 1952 and revised by L. D. Love in 1960. Included aTe descriptions of physical features and resource values. and highlights
.o f-past and current research programs.
*eywords: Forest regeneration, watershed management, wildlife
--------------------------- - ------------------------- - -- -
> Keywords: Forest regeneration , watershed management, wildlife
habitat.
-<
Keywords: Forest regeneration, watershed management, wildlife
habitat.
This report provides a general overview of work done on the
Fraser Experimental Forest. It replaces Station Paper No.8, published in 1952 and revised by L. D. Love in 1960. Included are descriptions of physical features and resource values, and highlights
of past and current research programs.
;; 3rnis report provides a general overview of work done on the
;F~ser Experimental Forest. It replaces Station Paper No.8, pub~ i5hed in 1952 and revised by L. D. Love in 1960. Included are de:2!;(;1iptions of physical features and resource values, and highlights
~f past and current research programs.
:::::j :::::!.
Alexander, Robert R. and Ross K. Watkins. 1977. The Fraser Experimental Forest , Colorado. USDA For . Serv o Gen. Tech.
Rep. RM-40, 32 p. Rocky Mt. For. and Range Exp. 5tn. , Fort
Collins, Colo.
c:!Jexander, Robert R. and Ross K. Watkins. 1977. The Fraser Ex:z: perimental Forest, Colorado. USDA For. Servo Gen. Tech.
~ Rep. RM-40, 32 p. Rocky Mt. For. and Range Exp. Stn., Fort
0:: (£olIins, Colo.
I
~ - --------------- --- -- - - - --- - - --- 1- - -------- ----- --- ---- - -- - - - - - - -
-
habitat.
Alexander. Robert R. and Ross K. Watkins. 1977. T he Fraser Experimental Forest, Colorado . USDA For. Serv o Gen. Tech.
Rep . RM-40, 32 p. Rocky Mt. For. and Range Exp. 5tn ., Fort
Coll ins, Colo .
Alexander. Robert R. and Ross K. Watkins . 1977. The Fraser Experimental Forest, Colorado. USDA For. Serv o Gen . Tech .
Rep . RM-40, 32 p. Rocky Mt. For. a nd Range Exp. Stn., Fo rt
Collins, Colo .
- - -- - -- -------- - -- -- - -- ---------------- - ----------
.•._- -
-
The Fraser Experimental Forest is a
research unit of the Rocky Mountain
Forest and Range Experiment Station,
which is maintained in cooperation with
the Colorado State University at Fort
Collins, Colorado